A window into Liberty: rooms with a view

Bright and beautiful: Liberty's have transformed their windows Credit:
Rex

10 December 2015 • 10:00am

Rachel Tierney

A traditional doll’s house inspired this year’s stunning window display at the West End store

Liberty's iconic window displays are as much a part of Christmas in London as the Oxford Street lights and ice skating at Somerset House, and this year’s reveal didn’t disappoint. Special guest Kylie Minogue opened the Liberty Christmas window display to a huge audience of fans in a ‘snowstorm’ – and the display proved as big a hit as ever. For 2015, the design team have outdone themselves with a heartwarming theme that plays to the store's unique layout - transforming the windows into a series of life-sized doll’s house ‘rooms’.

The windows have become the Liberty print doll’s house filled to the brim in a crazy, chaotic array of everything you would wish for at Christmas

Head of visual design Liz Silvester says: "Liberty, unlike any other shopping environment, is a house. We wanted to build a strong nostalgic connection for our loyal customers to imagine how to bring Liberty into their homes this Christmas. The windows have become the Liberty print doll’s house filled to the brim in a crazy, chaotic array of everything you would wish for at Christmas."

The doll’s house decor itself was inspired by film director Wes Anderson and his playful, pastel coloured sets for The Grand Budapest Hotel, as well as the bold interiors of Brighton’s Regency-era Royal Pavilion. The result combines nostalgic, vintage pinks sprinkled across the striking golds and reds of the windows. The effect is compelling, inviting passers-by inside with a warm, twinkly welcome.

The vintage pink theme is continued with a pink chandelier, pink trees and more. And the store really has thought of everything to capture the Christmas spirit – from music and lighting to interior displays. Behind the famous Liberty doors, you’ll find lines that are also inspired by famous doll’s houses, as Ms Silvester reveals. "Our head of design for interiors Emma Mawston had also created our 2016 interiors collection inspired by the great British doll’s house of our time."

On the top floor, Liberty’s Christmas Shop promises a host of festive treats to visitors. An annual pilgrimage for many customers, here they can take a piece of Liberty’s Christmas home with them. From the Gisela Graham glass baubles to the kitsch London-themed decorations and the intricate hand-painted ballerinas, there is something here for everyone, whatever their colour scheme or theme.

Whether an elegant winter wonderland or a kitsch, eclectic celebration, you can bring some of the dazzle and awe of Liberty’s iconic windows to your own home. Our favourites include the Gold Yorkie Puppy Decoration (£9.95) for some super-cute cheer, or the Deer Globe Ornament Tree Decoration (£19.95) to set off a wintery palette. Visit liberty.co.uk/christmas-hall for more ideas. The store has also curated some of its favourite pieces for the festive table, from the Liberty print round serving tray to luxury crackers: for suggestions, visit liberty.co.uk/the-christmas-table.

The doll’s house decor itself was inspired by film director Wes Anderson and his playful, pastel coloured sets for The Grand Budapest Hotel

This year, Liberty has also teamed up with Text Santa to create some A-list Christmas trees. As well as opening the Christmas window display, Kylie is just one of several celebrities from the world of music, fashion and art taking part in ‘Celebritrees’. Each star will decorate their own Christmas tree with their favourite decorations from the Christmas Shop. These will be displayed at Liberty in the run-up to Christmas, before the stars’ hand-picked decorations are auctioned for the Text Santa charity appeal, helping everyone have a happier festive celebration.

Liberty managing director Ed Burstell, who has also decorated a tree, said: "We’re so proud to be part of ITV’s Text Santa campaign this Christmas season. Liberty has a long history of social commitment to the community and having our Celebritrees guests on board is adding that extra dimension of magic and excitement to a fantastic cause. "I can’t wait to see what a difference the auctions and all our other Text Santa activity makes to the fundraising campaign, and I'm hoping everyone who comes through our doors helps support this extremely important appeal."

Celebrating 140 years

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